insists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insists" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is firmly stating or demanding something, often in a context where they are expressing strong belief or urging others to accept their viewpoint. Example: "She insists that we should start the project immediately to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He insists that economic sanctions are working, with Russia now in negative growth, and says Russia needs America and Europe more than America and Europe need Russia.

The Guardian

Ronaldo was visibly angry after Bale failed to pass to him but the Portugal player insists it is already water under the bridge for him, while he also said the Madrid fans "should be nice" to the former Tottenham winger.

The Guardian - Sport

One might think Wasim would know secret shortcuts all over the city but he insists all of Mumbai's roads are bad, particularly in the business district in the south of the city.

The Guardian

Apfel has a story to tell about each of her outfits; she insists that hers is not a fashion collection, because she bought every piece to wear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She insists she feels broadly hopeful about the role of her five parishes, but optimism in this context calls for a determination to look on the bright side.

The Guardian

Norway and Iceland maintain commercial whaling programmes in spite of the 1986 International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium, but Japan insists its programme is scientific, while admitting that the resulting meat ends up on plates back at home.

The Guardian

A Canadian side coached by John Herdman, a Newcastle United supporting-Englishman from Consett, outclassed England in that warm-up game, but Sampson insists not too much should be read into that.

The Guardian - Sport

He insists he will not engage in any in-your-face evangelising, disturbing those who go to the pub for a quiet pint on a Monday: "I'm not looking to bother anybody.

The Guardian

The former Tory treasurer, who now insists he is an impartial pollster, suggested that the Tories and Labour would be tied on 272 seats each.

The Guardian

Sinason insists she doesn't use recovered-memory techniques.

The Guardian

Lord Adonis, the former transport secretary who was heavily involved in the Labour negotiations with the Lib Dems in 2010, insists that Brown fulfilled his constitutional obligation to remain in office until a clear successor had emerged.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insists", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is being insistent about. Clarity prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "insists" multiple times within a short passage to describe the same person's actions. Vary your language with synonyms like "asserts", "maintains", or "contends" to avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The word "insists" functions as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense of "insist". It denotes the act of stating something forcefully and persistently, often against opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

15%

Politics

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insists" is a frequently used verb that communicates a firm and persistent declaration or belief. Ludwig AI indicates that its grammatical status is correct, and it's commonly found in news, sports, and political contexts. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "asserts" or "maintains" to enhance writing variety. According to Ludwig's analysis, the term carries a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for diverse communicative purposes while conveying conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asserts

Indicates a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.

maintains

Implies a continued assertion, often in the face of opposition.

contends

Suggests arguing or stating something as a position in an argument.

affirms

Conveys a strong and public declaration.

declares

Implies a formal or emphatic statement.

reiterates

Indicates repeating a statement for emphasis or clarity.

attests

Suggests providing evidence or serving as proof.

vouches

Implies guaranteeing or standing behind the truth of something.

professes

Indicates openly declaring a belief or feeling.

argues

Suggests presenting reasons or evidence in support of a claim.

FAQs

How do I use "insists" in a sentence?

Use "insists" to show that someone is firm in their belief or command. For example, "He "insists" that the project must be completed by Friday."

What are some synonyms for "insists"?

Alternatives to "insists" include "asserts", "maintains", "contends", and "declares", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "insists" and "suggests"?

"Insists" conveys a strong, unwavering assertion, while "suggests" implies a gentler recommendation or possibility. One is firm, the other is tentative.

When is it appropriate to use "insists" instead of "states"?

Use "insists" when you want to emphasize the firmness or persistence of a statement. "States" is more neutral, simply indicating that something was said, whereas "insists" highlights the speaker's conviction.